Roman families Flashcards
why did the Romans marry
To have children
why did Romans want a lot of children?
Having many children (3 or more) could give you and your family privileges
marriage cum manu (marriage with the hand)
marriage cum manu means that the bride would be completely in her husband’s control, she was his forever. Therefore, divorce was not allowed
marriage sin manu (marriage without the hand)
marriage sin manu means the bride won’t be controlled by her husband, could keep her own property and could divorce him
the rules of marriage
consent is needed
they cannot be closely related
both have to be adult (bride 12, groom 14)
both have to be unmarried
the average age for marriage
men: late teens to their 20s
women: 13
what things does to groom’s father do
choose the groom and negotiate dowry
(an amount of property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage.)
what gifts does the groom give to the bride
rings, articles for personal use
where were the rings worn
the ring was worn at the 3rd finger on the left hand, as it’s widely believed that the finger has the nerve that connects to the heart
what were the wife expected to do
they were expected to provide dowry
(an amount of property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage.)
what would the bride do before marriage
the bride would dedicate her locket to the Lares (protecting gods) of her father’s house, then she will try on the wedding dress
what dress did the bride wear
the bride wears “Tunica Recta” which is a straight tunic, band of wool tied in a knot of Hercules and a flame colored veil
the hairstyle of a bride
the hair was divided into 6 locks, they were coiled and held in position by ribbons
where would the ceremony be held
the ceremony would be held at the house of the bride’s father
the wedding procession
1) bride escorted to husband ‘s house, marriage hymm sung
2)groom takes bride from mother’s arms, the bride is then attended by 3 boys
3)two boys would be by her side while the 3rd one would hold a torch
4)behind the bride, walked a Camillus(priest) and people carrying a distaff and a spindle
5)rude songs were sung, then ancient wedding cries were said
5)coins were thrown behind the bride and nuts and sesame cakes by the groom
